Obidos

The name "Óbidos" is a Latinised (oppidum, citadel) derivation of the older Celtic "Eburobricio". The municipality grew from a Roman settlement near the foothills of an elevated escarpment. The region of Óbidos, extending from the Atlantic to the interior of Estremadura Province along the rivers and lakes has been inhabited since the late Paleolithic. A settlement, constructed by early Celt tribes, was later a centre of trade for the Phoenicians. Archeological evidence from the base of the medieval tower (south of Facho) at Óbidos Castle indicates Roman construction linked to an outpost of the Roman civitas of Eburobrittium, a large urban area that has been under excavation. Archeological surveys determined the remains of a forum, baths and other Roman structures near the settlement. …

Located on the Atlantic Ocean coast, the municipality is bounded in the northeast and east by Caldas da Rainha, in the south by Bombarral, in the southwest by Lourinhã and the west by Peniche. Administratively, it is divided into 7 civil parishes (freguesias): A dos Negros Amoreira Gaeiras Olho Marinho Santa Maria, São Pedro e Sobral da Lagoa Usseira Vau

The area of the town of Óbidos is located on a hilltop, encircled by a fortified wall. Óbidos remains a well-preserved example of medieval architecture; its streets, squares, walls and its castle are popular tourist destinations. The castle now houses a pousada. The municipality is also home to the famous Praia d'El Rey golf complex, one of the top golf resorts in Europe. Each July Óbidos castle hosts a traditional 'Medieval Market'. For two weeks the castle and the surrounding town recreate the spirit of medieval Europe. Óbidos is also famous for its bookstores. There are 14 bookstores, one of which is in a church, another one, the Livraria do Mercado Biológico, sells fish as well as books. In 2013, the town administration of Óbidos developed a municipal literature programme which included the creation of an international literary festival. …

Baltazar Gomes Figueira (1604–1674), a painter Josefa de Óbidos (1630–1684), a painter Miguel da Natividade (1630–1690), a composer Armando da Silva Carvalho (1938–2017), a writer Carlos Zorrinho (born 1959) a politician, university professor and Member of the European Parliament